2010 Volvo XC90

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

The XC90 comes in either a two-row (five-passenger) or three-row (seven-passenger) configuration. Its cabin is kid-friendly and comfortable, although not as luxurious as competitors.

• "The XC90's cabin was penned as Volvo was transitioning to its current sleek design aesthetic, and it has stood the test of time remarkably well. Materials are of almost uniformly high quality, and controls are stylish yet intuitive, though the XC90 lacks Volvo's trademark ‘waterfall' center stack that's available on the brand's newer vehicles." -- Edmunds
• "The XC90 is easier to get out and put away than any other seven-seat 4x4, and the cabin offers more storage space than the Mercedes ML-Class or BMW X5." - Car Gurus
• "The XC90 feels less luxurious inside than just plain solid." -- BusinessWeek

Seating

The 2010 Volvo XC90 now offers seating for seven with a standard third-row seat. Overall, reviewers find the seats comfortable, although come find the third row cramped and say it takes away from second-row legroom.

• "With the arrival of its excellent XC60 compact crossover for 2010, Volvo is doing its best to maintain interest in the aging XC90. In particular, the company is emphasizing the XC90's exclusive third-row seat, which enlarges passenger capacity to seven versus the XC60's five. We can't argue with that, but it's important to note that the XC90's third row compromises second-row legroom, so it's not all roses." -- Edmunds
• "Second-row entry and exit are impeded by rather narrow doors that should open wider. Room and comfort in the 2nd row is OK for two adults but not for three. Very tight passageways squeeze 3rd-row access except for small kids, who are best suited for the tight accommodations there anyway." -- Consumer Guide
• "The front bucket seats are good, especially with adjustable lumbar support, and Volvo leather is some of the best around." -- Cars.com
• "Volvo has done a wonderful job of maximizing this vehicle's convenience as a people-hauler. Up to four adults and three children can easily travel in relative comfort." -- Road and Track
• "The XC90 provides plenty of space between the rear window and the back of the heads of the rear passengers and plenty of legroom, too." -- Car Gurus

Interior Features

The XC90 3.2-liter model comes with cloth seating, two-zone climate controls, and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat. For 2010, the base model adds a standard third-row seat and moonroof. In addition, the V8 model gains standard heated front seats, headlamp washers and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

• "It's hard to think of a more ergonomically sound cabin than the XC90's." -- Automobile.com
• "The stereo sounded like a premium system and offered lots of clever settings." -- CNET
• "The gauges and most controls are stylish and handy. The climate controls are mounted low but are simple to operate. However, the audio controls are not intuitive, nor are those for the available navigation system, which is handicapped by a screen that powers up from the dashtop and washes out in bright light." -- Consumer Guide

Cargo

Reviewers agree that thanks to lots of storage nooks and power outlets, the interior of the 2010 Volvo XC90 is very kid-friendly. The interior offers great flexibility, particularly in seat arrangement and cargo capacity.

• "The XC90's rear-seat compartments are less barebones than in many SUVs." -- Road and Track
• "Cargo capacity is just 8.8 cubic feet behind the third row, but it expands to an ample 93 cubic feet with the third and second rows folded." -- Edmunds
• "The large liftgate doesn't rise quite high enough to clear a six-footer's head, but teams with a short lower tailgate for easy loading. Cargo space is limited behind the 3rd row, but all rear seats fold easily to create a flat load deck and class-competitive volume. Many rivals have more small-item storage in the cabin." -- Consumer Guide